Ibanez @ September

Looks like a drab September for Ibanez as the new highlight for this month is an entry-level PS60. No idea if this will get the KISS fans screaming & wanting more but in my opinion, the Iceman & Destroyer should make a proper come-back into the catalog. For variety's sake? That & the fact that these were the landmark leftist models in the manufacturer's guitar history. But what do I know about guitar production, yes?

PS: Swee Lee actually received this one before it's officially announced - available now ($549)

Hello September 👋

Pic: Ibanez

Cracked purple

The Ibanez Iceman cometh but it's a Paul Stanley (PS2CM) version with the much celebrated cracked mirror finish. So now it's offered in a purple manifestation with Seymour Duncan pickups: '59/C5

Small victory (3)

OK, so it trickled into the Paul Stanley camp as well- the Ibanez PS is now offered in a Mikro version. 

Ibanez: PS40

This Ibanez PS40, its endorser fanfare aside, is a simple instrument- bolt-on with non-locking hardware. The charismatic outline is a bonus. It is worth mentioning that the PS40 hails from China because I like where the QC stands in view of the sub-$300 price point. The fit & finish are definitely above average, the only displeasure here is perhaps the guitar's final overcoat that  feels rather over-done & synthetic.

The controls are not that smooth but they are effective, ditto the tuners. Unlike other entry-level guitars, the nut slots are rather well attended too, so no tuning snags were heard during play. Moving on to the pickups, we know too well how the Infinity humbuckers are, in many other Ibanez guitars. They sound flat clean but bordering on the impressive in drive mode. The ones here get my thumbs-up for the latter application. I do not wish to re-iterate whatever inadequacies one might hear in clean settings, it's not worth reprimanding implements which were not conceived to deliver appeal in this aspect.

I'd recommend this guitar to the budget-conscious players out there who are keen on getting good rock tones without being excessively concerned with the clean performance. The other consideration would be the bag availability; let's accept the fact that the standard/ generic guitar bag meant mostly for strat-type shapes won't accommodate this instrument. Do ask if a suitable bag is available for your consideration before purchase. Lastly, all that Paul Stanley mojo at this price, yes? Not quite, my friends. Mere resemblance but quite a departure in essence. A good guitar nevertheless.

Thanks to brother Faizal @ Bras Basah branch for the assistance.

Rating: 70%

Ibanez: PS40

Availability: Swee Lee Co.

Price: $299

Affordable ice

New at Swee Lee- the most affordable Paul Stanley Ibanez Iceman, the PS40 (List: $299). Unlike it's bigger brothers, this one is of poplar body & features the Infinity humbucker pair. If you don't mind the signature association, this one's a no-frills & should be a good leverage for those of us starting out as well.

Return to ice

Kiss' Paul Stanley came full circle & returns to Ibanez. All those Washburns & Silvertones aren't quite 'it', yes? Personally, I feel he's the right ambassador for this guitar.

Pic: Ibanez UK

Washburn: Starfire

This is Paul Stanley's new stratfirebirdRD signature model. Washburn calls it the Starfire.